Last edit 6.3.20*
Setting up your Optus Internet Assistance Kit
We’ll send you an Optus Internet Assistance Kit during times of Mass Service Disruption or while we’re resolving a fault with your home internet. In this article we’ll explain how to set up your Optus Internet Assistance Kit.
What is the Optus Internet Assistance Kit?
The Optus Internet Assistance Kit keeps online while we’re getting your home internet up and running again.
The Kit includes:
- Huawei E5573 4G Mobile Broadband Wi-Fi modem that connects to the Optus 4G network and has a battery life of 6 hours
- Optus Prepaid Mobile Broadband SIM card
- Modem battery
- Modem charging cable
The SIM card is preloaded with 50GB of complimentary data that can be used for email and general browsing. As it is a WiFi modem, you can connect multiple devices wirelessly.
Note: The 50GB allowance expires 28 days after activation.
Optus Sport: If you also have an Optus Sport subscription, you can connect your mobile device via WiFi to the modem and Optus Sport via the app on your mobile device.
Fetch: You won’t be able to connect your Fetch box to the Mobile Broadband Wi-Fi modem.
Huawei E5573 4G Mobile Broadband Wi-Fi modem
How to set up your Internet Assistance Kit
Important: To activate your SIM card online, you’ll need the following:
- An alternate internet connection (such as a mobile phone internet connection)
- ID (Passport/Driver Licence, Paypal, Credit/Debit Card)
Here’s how to set up your Optus Internet Assistance Kit:
Inserting your SIM card and battery
- Pull the back of the modem off. Look for the grove in the bottom left hand corner of the modem
- Take a note of the SSID (Wi-Fi network name) and Wi-Fi Key. You’ll need to use this to connect your devices to the Wi-Fi once your SIM is active
Also, note the Password ‘admin’. This will be used later to log in to your WiFi settings online.
SSID and Password Huawei E5573 4G Mobile Broadband
- Pop out the Standard size SIM card. This is the biggest SIM card size.
Important: Be careful not to accidentally pop out the smaller sim card sizes.
- Insert the SIM card face-down into the modem.
- Insert the battery into the modem and replace the back cover.
- Insert the charger into the bottom of the modem, plug into a power source and switch ON. The modem will take 12 hours to fully charge, but you can start using the modem while it’s charging.
Activating your SIM card
1. Activate your SIM card online via our online SIM activation portal
Note: You will need an alternate internet connection (such as a mobile internet connection). You’ll also need your SIM number and an ID (Passport, Driver Licence, Medicare Card). You can find your SIM card number on the card you popped your SIM out of.
2. Follow the prompts online to activate your SIM card. If you’re using a Paypal or credit/debit card as ID, don’t worry, you won’t be charged. The 50GB Start-Up Data is included complementary in the Optus Internet Assistance Kit
3. You’ll receive a text message when your SIM becomes active (between 15 - 4 hours)
Connecting your devices to the internet
1. Press the power button the front of the modem
2. To connect your devices to the WiFi, go to your device’s WiFi settings. If you need help finding the WiFi settings for a mobile or tablet, you can find instructions here.
3. Select the WiFi network. It’s the SSID number you noted earlier under the battery.
4. Enter the WiFi Key as the password. You can also find the SSID and WiFi Key in the modem’s Menu: Click Menu at the top of the device > Device Info > SSID and PWD.
Managing your WiFi Settings
You can manage your WiFi, including checking for software updates and changing the WiFi Key online:
1. Type http://192.168.8.1 into an internet browser and log in. The default username and password are both admin.
2. Alternatively, you can connect your modem to a computer using the USB charging cable.
Remember: you can connect up to 10 WiFi compatible devices at a time. If you’re connecting one device via USB, then 9 other devices can be connected via WiFi. If you’re using the device as a WiFi extender, then only 9 WiFi enabled devices can be connected.
Frequently asked questions
How do I check my data usage?
You can keep track of your data usage via the My Account or My Optus app.
My Account
- Log in to the My Account
- Select the Prepaid Mobile Broadband service under Data usage
- You’ll see your data usage under the Usage tab
My Optus app
To view your usage in the My Optus app you’ll need to link your services – follow the instructions here.
Once your services are linked:
- Log in to the My Optus app
-
Select the Prepaid Mobile Broadband service from the left side menu
- Select the Service tab from the bottom menu
How do I find out the Service Number for my Optus Internet Assistance Kit?
How do I add additional data to the device?
Your data is used in 1KB increments and includes both uploads and downloads.
The Optus Internet Assistance Kit includes 50GB of complementary data. If you wish to add additional data you’ll need to recharge for a cost.
Recharging
You can recharge your device online. You can also recharge directly from your bank, at a participating 7-Eleven store or set-up Auto Recharge.
Note: Unused Data Allowance (MyData) will roll over to the next recharge as MyData Rollover if you recharge before credit expires. If you accrue over 50GB of MyData Rollover, you will forfeit any data over that limit. MyData Rollover will be used after any Data Allowance (MyData) you have on your current recharge.
What do I do with the kit once my home internet is working?
The Optus Internet Assistance Kit is yours to keep. You can use it as a mobile WiFi device while travelling, share it with family and friends or keep it in the car for on the road internet access.
If you experience another fault, you can use the kit again. Just contact us and let us know you already have a kit.
Note: If you don’t add any data to the device within 200 days of activating it, your SIM Card will deactivate. You can order a new SIM here.
How long does it take for the Optus Internet Assistance Kit to be delivered?
For Metro areas, the kit should be delivered within 1-2 working days
For Regional areas, please allow 2+ working days
If you would like to check the status of your delivery, please enter the order number sent to you via SMS into our tracking site: https://optus.startrack.com.au/
How many devices can I connect to the modem at the same time?
You can connect up to 10 Wi-Fi compatible devices at one time. If you are connecting one device via USB, then 9 other devices can be connected via Wi-Fi. If you are using the device as a Wi-Fi extender, then only 9 Wi-Fi enabled devices can be connected.
Have any questions? Drop us a comment below 🙂
